Improving LDO Consumption Measurement Accuracy Using Coriolis Mass Flow Meter: A Case Study from a Thermal Power Plant
Author : Anupam Patnaik
Abstract :
Accurate measurement of diesel oil consumption is essential for effective operation, monitoring, and energy accounting in thermal power plant systems, particularly during boiler start-up and emergency operating conditions. In the existing setup, a turbine-type flow meter was used for oil flow measurement; however, it exhibited significant inaccuracies under low and intermittent flow conditions. This resulted in unreliable consumption data and forced dependency on indirect methods such as tank level-based calculations, which were time-consuming and prone to error.
The objective of this study is to improve measurement accuracy and reliability by replacing the conventional flow meter with a Coriolis-based mass flow meter. The upgraded system was installed in one unit and integrated with the distributed control system, along with development of a totalization logic for real-time and cumulative monitoring.
The results indicate a substantial improvement in measurement accuracy, including reliable performance during low flow conditions and precise recording of oil consumption during start-up and emergency operations. A comparison between flow meter readings and tank level-based calculations shows close agreement, validating the effectiveness of the new system.
The study concludes that the adoption of Coriolis flow measurement significantly enhances accuracy, eliminates manual calculations, and improves operational efficiency, making it a suitable solution for wider implementation.
Keywords :
Coriolis mass flow meter, LDO consumption measurement, turbine flow meter limitations, flow measurement accuracy, distributed control system integration, fuel monitoring system etc.
